Drinking straw assembly

ABSTRACT

A reusable drinking straw assembly is provided, having a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion. The modular segments are separable from one another to allow for adjustability of the length of the straw assembly and to facilitate cleaning of the straw assembly between uses. Each of the modular segments is itself separable longitudinally into at least two re-attachable components to facilitate cleaning of the straw between uses. A mouthpiece is removably attached to one end of the tubular portion. A filter is removably attached to the other end of the tubular portion. The mouthpiece may include a one-way valve for controlling the direction of fluid flow.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/719,312 filed on Aug. 17, 2018 entitled “DrinkingStraw Assembly”. This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119of U.S. application No. 62/719,312 filed Aug. 17, 2018 entitled“Drinking Straw Assembly”, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. This application also claims priority from applicationPCT/CA2019/051112, entitled “Drinking Straw Assembly,” filed Aug. 15,2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, andwhich claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/719,312 filed Aug. 17, 2018, entitled “Drinking Straw Assembly,”which is incorporated by reference above.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to drinking straws, and moreparticularly to a reusable drinking straw assembly.

BACKGROUND

The ubiquity of disposable or single-use plastic beverage utensils suchas drinking straws contributes to the accumulation of plastic wastearound the world. Plastic waste is becoming a growing concern as only asmall portion of such waste is recycled. The portion that is notrecycled may be discarded, and it may end up in a landfill or in theocean. Over time this discarded plastic becomes worn down into smallerparticles of microplastics that may find its way into the food chain. Inview of the environmental and health issues resulting from such waste,there is a desire to reduce or even eliminate the use of single-use ordisposable straws. One way to accomplish this is to replace the use ofsingle-use straws with reusable straws. The use of reusable straws maycontribute to the reduction of plastic waste over time.

Existing reusable straws have a number of drawbacks. For example, insome cases, a reusable straw may not be compatible with all beveragevessels. The reusable straw may be too long for a container such as asmall drink container (e.g. children's juice box or beverage box) whichcan cause the straw to pivot around the insertion hole of the juice boxexcessively. In other cases, the straw may be too short for thecontainer to be useful for drinking. The straw may fall inside thecontainer, such as an elongated soda bottle, and become “trapped”therein.

Users of reusable drinking straws generally try to keep the straw cleanby washing the straw between uses. It is desirable to remove residues ofbeverages (which can be sugary or sticky) so as to prevent mold and/orbacteria growth on the interior surface. Having a clean straw surfacewould also avoid contaminating the flavour of a subsequent beveragebeing consumed with residues of a previously consumed beverage. However,users may have difficulty with cleaning the internal surface of thestraw's hollow cavity. Many existing reusable straw cleaning systemsinclude a flexible elongated brush having outwardly extending bristles.The brush is designed for insertion into the straw's tubular cavity viaone of the straw's open ends. The cleaning brush may be impregnated witha cleaning solution such as soap or a suitable disinfectant to clean theinternal surface of the straw.

While such straw cleaning brushes may be used to clean the internalsurface of the straw, there are a number of drawbacks to these systems.For example, the cleaning brush may be misplaced or it may wear downover many uses and require replacement. Mold and bacteria and otherdebris may grow on the surface of the bristles if the brushes are notthoroughly dried, thereby increasing the risk of transferring suchparticles to the straw. In addition, areas in the internal surface ofthe straw may be missed during cleaning with a straw brush, and may notbe detected given that it is difficult to see into the interior of thestraw.

As such, there is a need for solutions for addressing or ameliorating atleast some of the problems identified above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, the present specification describes a reusable drinkingstraw assembly with removable drinking straw sections. Each removabledrinking straw section is further separable to permit cleaning of thestraw section's internal surface.

One aspect of the invention provides a reusable drinking straw assemblycomprising a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form anelongate tubular portion having first and second ends. Defined in thetubular portion is a longitudinally-extending channel for receiving abeverage. The length of the straw assembly is adjustable by removing oradding a modular segment.

The straw assembly comprises a mouthpiece removably attached to thefirst end (the mouth-receiving end) of the tubular portion. Themouthpiece may comprise an attachment portion adapted to be press fitinto one end of the tubular portion. At least the attachment portion orthe entire mouthpiece may be made of a compressible material such asflexible plastic, silicone or rubber.

In particular embodiments, each of the modular segments is itselfseparable longitudinally into at least two re-attachable components forfacilitating cleaning of the straw interior surfaces between uses. There-attachable components of each modular segment may be coupled togetherby way of corresponding male and female T-rail interlocking connectorsprovided on the components.

A filter may be removably attached at the second end (beverage-immersedend) of the straw assembly. The filter comprises a plurality ofperforations sized to allow a beverage to pass through during use, whileblocking certain particles from entering the straw assembly.

The modular segments are separable from one another to allow foradjustability of the length of the straw assembly and to facilitatecleaning of the straw assembly between uses. In particular embodiments,each of the modular segments is provided with corresponding inner andouter threaded surfaces at opposite ends of the segment to enableattachment of the segment to adjacent segments or attachments. In someembodiments, the modular segments may be made of a non-corrosive metalor metal alloy, or a dishwasher-safe plastic.

Another aspect of the invention provides a reusable drinking strawassembly comprising a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end toform an elongate tubular portion. A mouthpiece is removably attachableto a first end of the tubular portion. Within the mouthpiece is aone-way valve that is movable between an open and closed position toselectively block fluid flow within the mouthpiece to prevent thebackflow of fluid back to a fluid container or vessel.

In particular embodiments, the valve includes a valve flap that dividesthe mouthpiece into two chambers and occludes the flow of fluid betweenthe two chambers when it is in the closed position. The valve flap isbiased so that it is normally in the closed position. In anotherembodiment, the mouthpiece includes two longitudinally extendingmouthpiece segments and the valve includes a lip portion that latches toan edge of one of the mouthpiece segments. The valve is secured betweenthe mouthpiece segments when the mouthpiece segments are joinedtogether. The valve can be removed from the mouthpiece when themouthpiece segments are separated.

In some embodiments, the valve is a cross-slit valve that divides themouthpiece into a first chamber and a second chamber. In the closedposition, the valve occludes the flow of fluid between the first chamberand the second chamber. In the open position, the valve provides anopening for fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.

In some embodiments, a portion of a modular segment attached to themouthpiece is bent away from the remainder of the tubular portion. Afilter attachment can be attached to the second end (beverage immersedend) of the tubular portion. Alternatively, a tubular puncturingattachment is attached to the second end for use in puncturing throughprotective beverage lidding films. At least one end of the puncturingattachment is cut angularly to provide a puncturing tool.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a reusable drinking strawassembly comprising a plurality of modular segments joined end-to-end toform an elongate tubular portion for receiving a beverage. Included inthe assembly is a tubular mouthpiece with first and second mouthpieceopenings at each end either of which may receive a first end of thetubular portion. The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece neck elementpositioned within the mouthpiece that separates the mouthpiece into afirst mouthpiece section and a second mouthpiece section.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece neck element is positioned closer tothe first mouthpiece opening than to the second mouthpiece opening sothat the first mouthpiece section is shorter than the second mouthpiecesection. A length of the tubular section and the mouthpiece, when thetubular section is inserted into the first mouthpiece section to abutthe mouthpiece neck element, is greater than a corresponding lengthobtainable when the tubular section is inserted into the secondmouthpiece section to abut the mouthpiece neck element.

A tubular attachment is provided in some embodiments. A first and secondattachment opening is defined at each end of the tubular attachment,either of which may receive an end of the tubular portion. One end ofthe tubular attachment (e.g. the end that is distal from the tubularportion) may be cut angularly to produce a puncturing point. Anattachment neck element is positioned within the attachment to separatethe attachment into a first attachment section and a second attachmentsection. The attachment neck element defines a circumferentialattachment ledge within the attachment for abutting the second end ofthe tubular portion.

In some embodiments, the attachment neck element is positioned closer tothe first attachment opening than to the second attachment opening sothat the first attachment section is shorter than the second attachmentsection. A length of the tubular section and the attachment, when thetubular section is inserted into the first attachment section to abutthe attachment neck element, is greater than a corresponding lengthobtainable when the tubular section is inserted into the secondattachment section to the abut the attachment neck element.

In particular embodiments, a one-way valve is positioned within themouthpiece of the straw assembly. The valve is movable between an openposition and a closed position to selectively block fluid flow withinthe mouthpiece. The valve may be biased in the closed position. In someembodiments, the valve has a flexible valve flap. In some otherembodiments, the valve is a cross-slit valve.

The straw assembly includes at least one gasket in some embodiments. Thebody of the gasket has: (i) a reception end for receiving one end of thetubular portion of the straw, and (ii) an insertion end for insertion ofthe gasket into the mouthpiece or the attachment (e.g. tubularattachment). Openings at the reception end and insertion end allow fluidto flow through the tubular portion of the straw and to the mouthpieceor attachment. Provided on the body of the gasket is at least one ribextending longitudinally between the reception end and insertion end.Each rib is engageable with a corresponding slot provided on an internalsurface of the mouthpiece or attachment to prevent rotation of thegasket therein.

Another aspect provides a straw kit, including at least one modularsegment to form an elongate tubular portion, the tubular portion havinga longitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving abeverage. The kit includes at least one mouthpiece adapted to beremovably attached to an end of the tubular portion. In some embodimentsthe kit includes a storage device incorporating at least two storagecompartments, each storage compartment being adapted for storing one of:(1) the at least one modular segment and the at least one mouthpiece;and (2) an accessory. Each of the first and second storage compartmentsmay be an elongate container that is attachable end-to-end to form thestorage device.

In some embodiments, the first storage compartment includes an openingwith a perforated cover for draining a liquid from the firstcompartment. The perforated cover may be disc shaped and secured to thefirst storage compartment with a fastening collar, the fastening havingoppositely facing notches for receiving a key operable to release thefastening collar from the perforated cover.

Additional aspects of the present invention will be apparent in view ofthe description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, taken withreference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a reusable drinking straw assemblyaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A shows the components of a modular segment of the straw assemblyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of the components of the modular segmentof FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of the drinking strawassembly of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter of the drinking straw assemblyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A shows a reusable drinking straw assembly according to anotherembodiment with a filter attachment;

FIG. 5B shows a cleaning brush for cleaning a reusable drinking strawassembly;

FIG. 5C is an exploded view of the reusable drinking straw assembly ofFIG. 5A with alternate attachments;

FIG. 5D shows an assembled reusable drinking straw assembly with atubular attachment according to one embodiment having a puncturing end;

FIG. 5E shows an assembled reusable drinking straw assembly with atubular attachment according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are longitudinal sectional views of a mouthpiece for thedrinking straw assembly of FIG. 1 or 5 with a one-way valve according toone embodiment shown in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIGS. 6C and 6D are transverse sectional views of the mouthpiece ofFIGS. 6A and 6B with the one-way valve shown in closed and openpositions, respectively;

FIGS. 6E to 6F are longitudinal and transverse sectional views,respectively, of a mouthpiece for the drinking straw assembly of FIG. 1or 5 according to another embodiment having a cross slit valve;

FIGS. 7A and 7B (collectively, FIG. 7) are longitudinal sectional viewsof a mouthpiece for the drinking straw assembly of FIG. 1 or 5 with aone-way valve according to an alternate embodiment shown in closed andopen positions, respectively;

FIGS. 8A to 8E (collectively, FIG. 8) show various views of a storagedevice for a drinking straw assembly according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 9A to 9E (collectively, FIG. 9) include perspective views (FIGS.9A and 9B) and cross-sectional views (FIGS. 9C to 9E) of a reusabledrinking straw assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the straw assembly ofFIG. 9;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and rear perspective views, respectively ofa gasket for use with the straw assembly of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11C shows a portion of a mouthpiece or attachment in which isdefined an internal cavity for receiving the gasket of FIGS. 11A and11B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein,are provided by way of illustration of examples of particularembodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examplesare provided for the purposes of explanation, and not limitation, ofthose principles and of the invention.

The embodiments herein disclose a drinking straw assembly with one ormore removable drinking straw sections in which each removable sectioncan be further disassembled for ease of cleaning.

Referring first to FIG. 1, shown therein is an exploded view of areusable drinking straw assembly 100 according to at least oneembodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly100 comprises a mouthpiece 102, a tubular portion 106, a filterattachment 115, and a filter 116. In other embodiments, filterattachment 115 and filter 116 are omitted. In other embodiments,mouthpiece 102 is omitted. In still other embodiments, all of filterattachment 115, filter 116 and mouthpiece 102 are omitted.

The components of assembly 100 described herein can be assembled to forma rigid or semi-rigid straw for consuming a beverage from a container.When the assembled straw is in use, one end of the straw is placed intothe beverage (the “beverage-immersed end” or “first end”). Inembodiments which include filter 116, the beverage-immersed end ispreferably the end including the filter. The other, opposing end of thestraw is received in the user's mouth (the “mouth-receiving end” or“second end”). In embodiments which include mouthpiece 102, themouth-receiving end is preferably the end including the mouthpiece. Withthe beverage-immersed end placed in the beverage, the beverage can thenbe drawn to the mouthpiece 102 for consumption by the user.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, tubular portion 106 comprises a plurality ofmodular segments 110 which are arranged between mouthpiece 102 andfilter 116. Modular segments 110 are attachable longitudinally,end-to-end, to form an elongate pipe (as used herein, “longitudinal”refers to a direction along the length of the straw assembly, the lengthextending between the first end and the second end of the straw).Mouthpiece 102 is removably attached to the pipe at one end of tubularportion 106 (i.e., at the mouth-receiving end of the straw). Filter 116is removably attached to the pipe at the other (opposing) end of tubularportion 106 (i.e., at the beverage-immersed end of the straw). In theillustrated embodiment, filter 116 is attached to tubular portion 106via filter attachment 115. One end of filter attachment 115 attaches toa modular segment 110 and the other end of filter attachment 115attaches to filter 116. In other embodiments, filter attachment 115 isomitted, and filter 116 is adapted to be directly attached to tubularportion 106. As described in further detail herein, modular segments 110can be joined to adjacent segments in such a way that the assembledtubular portion 106 allows the transfer of fluid from filter 116 tomouthpiece 102 without leakage along tubular portion 106. Similarly,mouthpiece 102 and filter 116 may be joined to tubular portion 106 insuch a way to prevent leakage in the straw assembly 100 at thesecomponents, and to facilitate transfer of the beverage to the user.

In the present invention, each modular segment 110 is provided withconnection features that are compatible with other modular segments 110,allowing modular segments 110 to be joined together end-to-end as shown.Any number of modular segments 110 can be used to form tubular portion106. The length of tubular portion 106 can be adjusted by adding orremoving one or more modular segments 110. This allows the assembledstraw to be used with a variety of drinking vessels of various sizes.Each modular segment 110 can be denoted by a number so that the firstsegment is referenced as 110-1, the second segment is referenced as110-2, etc. The last or Nth segment is referenced as 110-N (asillustrated in FIG. 1), where N is ≥2 in some embodiments, and N≥3 inother embodiments.

Similarly, parts of each modular segment 110 can be denoted by theirrespective number (e.g. a tubular body 120 of modular segment 110-2, asis described below, can be denoted as tubular body 120-2). Modularsegments 110-1 to 110-N may have identical or differing lengths.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example modular segment 110-2 oftubular portion 106 of the drinking straw assembly 100 of FIG. 1.Modular segment 110-2 comprises a longitudinally-extending tubular body120-2, which has inner and outer walls 124-2, 126-2. Inner wall 124-2defines a portion of the straw's inner cavity and outer wall 126-2defines a portion of the straw's exterior. The tubular body 120-2 hassome thickness along a transverse axis (i.e., the radial axis) so as toprovide rigidity to the tubular body 120-2; this thickness defines thedistance between the inner and outer walls 124-2, 126-2. For embodimentswhere tubular body 120 is formed with a circular cross-section, an innerradius and outer radius can be defined as the distance from the centerof the cross-section to the inner and outer walls 124, 126,respectively. The thickness of tubular body 120 may be selected based onthe material(s) used to provide a desired level of rigidity and strengthto tubular body 120.

Each modular segment 110 can be made of a material that is chemicallynon-reactive. To facilitate reusability, desirable characteristics ofthe material include non-corrosiveness and heat-resistance to thetemperatures to which the straw assembly is exposed under regularconditions of use (e.g. consumption of hot beverages, and washing byhand in a sink, or in a dishwasher). The modular segment 110 is made towithstand multiple uses and washes, including, in preferred embodiments,washing in a dishwasher. For example, plastic materials that are alsoused to make dishwasher-safe utensils and dinnerware, such aspolystyrene, can be used to make modular segments 110. Modular segments110 may be made from other plastics such as: High Density Polyethylene;Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET); Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE);Polypropylene (PP);

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC); Fluorine Treated (HDPE); Post Consumer Resin(PCR); Polycarbonate, LEXAN and the like. When the modular segments 110are worn out after repeated uses and washes, they can be recycled if theplastic with which they are made is selected from the plastic types thatare accepted by a recycling depot. In other embodiments, modularsegments 110 are made of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, iron orother metals or metal alloys that are non-corrosive and heat-resistant.In still other embodiments, modular segments 110 may be made of ceramicor ceramic-like materials such as china, clay, stone, bone china,earthenware, porcelain and stoneware, and the like, or organic materialssuch as bone, bamboo, wood, paper, glass, clay, stone and china, and thelike.

In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 2A, opposite ends132-2, 134-2 of the tubular body 120-2 of modular segment 110-2 arethreaded to enable coupling of the modular segment 110-2 with adjacentmodular segments 110 (e.g. modular segment 110-1 and 110-3, not shown inFIG. 2A) to form tubular portion 106 of straw assembly 100. A first end132-2 is threaded internally on inner wall 124-2 with female threading.A second end 134-2 is threaded externally on outer wall 126-2 withmatching male threading. The female threading at the first end 132-2extends along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 120-2 tofacilitate a secure engagement with the corresponding external malethreading extending along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body120-1 of adjacent modular segment 110-1 (at the second end 134-1 of thetubular body 120-1). While an adjacent modular segment 110-1 is notshown in FIG. 2A, the external male threading that would be provided onthe second end 134-1 of the tubular body 120-1 of modular segment 110-1is the same as that shown provided on the outer wall 126-2 at the secondend 134-2 of tubular body 120-2 of the FIG. 2A modular segment 110-2.

As seen in FIG. 2A, at a second end 134 of the tubular body 120, aportion of the tube body 120 is modified such that the inner and outerdiameters of the tube body 120 are reduced to form an engagement portion136 that would be matingly received within the first end 132 of anadjacent modular segment 110. Specifically, the outer diameter of theengagement portion 136 is chosen to be substantially equal to the innerdiameter of the tube body 120 to enable the engagement portion 136 to beinsertable into the first end 132 of another modular segment 110.Furthermore, the outer wall 126 of the engagement portion 136 isthreaded with a male thread to engage with the female threading providedat the first end 132 of another modular segment 110. The matching threadengagement enables screw-on securement with an adjacent modular segment110. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of modular segments 110 can bejoined together end-to-end using the screw-on attachment of the threadedends to form a straw of the desired length. The connection formedbetween adjacent modular segments 110 is sufficiently sealed by theirthreading such that a fluid passes through the fluid channel of tubularportion 106 and does not escape between the modular segments 110 at theconnection points. In some embodiments, a sealing ring such as an O-ringmade of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone can be also usedin conjunction with the threaded screw-on securement mechanism toprovide a fluid-tight seal.

In alternate embodiments, the modular segments can be attachedend-to-end using other methods. For example, strong magnets can beprovided at the connecting ends of each modular segment 110 tofacilitate the end-to-end attachment. Magnets, such as rare earthmagnets, can generate sufficiently strong attractive forces to hold themodular segments 110 together so as to maintain rigidity of the strawduring normal use. In other embodiments, the modular segments 110 can beattached by way of frictional fit or press-fit. The modular segments 110may be joined by way of resiliently deformable interconnection. Othermethods of joining modular segments 110 may include the use of one ormore of: screw threads, locking joints, one end having a smallerdiameter and locking the pieces by inserting the smaller diameter endinto the larger end, glue or adhesive, rubber or plastic belts orhubless couplings, flanges and grooves.

FIG. 2A shows that the tubular body 120 of modular segment 110 isseparable longitudinally as shown into two components 133A, 133B(collectively or individually, components 133). Each component may bewashed by hand or placed in a dishwasher for cleaning. Once cleaned,components 133A, 133B can be re-assembled into a tube-shaped modularsegment 110. The separation of tubular body 120 allows for ease ofcleaning and more thorough cleaning, in view of the increased access toand visibility of the interior surface when the two tube halves areseparated. This may help to improve the cleanliness of the inner wall124 and help to prevent the development and growth of mold and bacteriain the straw. The separable components 133 also avoid the need for adedicated cleaning tool such as a long brush for inserting into thestraw cavity.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of the modular segment 110-2 of FIG. 2Ashowing one way in which components 133A, 133B can be made separable. Inthe example shown, each of components 133A, 133B is provided with aT-rail interlocking mechanism comprising a male connecting portion 138A,138B respectively (collectively and individually, portion 138) and afemale connecting portion 139A, 139B respectively (collectively andindividually, potion 139). More particularly, male connecting portion138A of the first component 133A is mateable with the female connectingportion 139B of the second component 133B. Likewise, the femaleconnecting portion 139A of the first component 133A is mateable with themale connecting portion 138B of the second component 133B. Maleconnecting portion 138 extends along at least a portion of the length ofmodular segment 110 above the engagement portion 136. Female connectingportion 139 is also located above the engagement portion 136, andextends from first end 132 (the end of the modular segment 110 that isdistal to the engagement portion 136), toward second end 134, by atleast the length that is required for receiving the male connectingportion 138 and allowing both components 133A, 133B to be alignedlongitudinally when joined.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, male connectingportion 138 comprises a protrusion which flares out toward its distalend to match the inwardly flared groove of the corresponding femaleconnecting portion 139. In the absence of any stop in the longitudinaldirection, the flared element of the male and female portions 138, 139allow each component 133 to slide longitudinally against the othercomponent 133 when they are coupled together. Thus the connectingportions 138, 139 provide a sliding dovetail joint. The flared featuresof the mating mechanism also prevent joined components 133A, 133B fromseparating during normal use (i.e., the flared feature prevents thecomponents 133A, 133B from being pulled apart by opposite transverseforces applied to each component). A stop may be provided in the form ofmouthpiece 102 and filter attachment 115, which, when securely attachedat opposite ends of tubular portion 106, limit the movement ofcomponents 133A, 133B in the longitudinal direction and prevent themfrom sliding against each other. It can be appreciated by a person ofskill in the art that alternately shaped structures may be used for maleand female portions 138, 139 that provide similar functionality to thecorresponding flared male and female components illustrated in FIG. 2B.

In other embodiments, components 133A, 133B may be provided with otherfeatures to allow them to be joined together. For example, components133A, 133B can be joined using snap-fit or press-fit mechanisms. Inother embodiments, components 133A, 133B are joined with a hinge alongone side and are snap-fitted to secure the free ends.

Reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 will now be made. FIG. 3 is an enlargedperspective view of the mouthpiece 102 of FIG. 1. In the presentembodiment, the mouthpiece comprises a drinking portion 103 and anattachment portion 104. Drinking portion 103 is received in the user'smouth for drinking from the straw. Attachment portion 104 couplesmouthpiece 102 to a modular segment 110-1 of the straw assembly 100.Both the drinking portion 103 and attachment portion 104 share a commonhollow interior space 105 to provide a channel for fluid flow from thetubular portion 106 of the straw assembly 100 to the mouth of a user.

In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 104 has an opening104A for receiving the tubular portion 106 of straw assembly 100. Oncethe first end of tubular portion 106 is inserted into the mouthpiece102, the hollow interior space 105 of the mouthpiece 102 aligns with thehollow interior 107 of the tubular portion 106 to form a fluid channel.Attachment portion 104 can be made of a compressible material (such asflexible plastic, rubber or silicone) so that it can be press fit intofirst end 132 of a tubular body 120 of modular segment 110. Wheninserted in the tubular body 120, the compressible material ofattachment portion 104 exerts a force against the wall of the tubularbody 120 to maintain a friction fit. The friction fit allows themouthpiece 102 to be removably attached to the tubular portion 106. Theremovability of the mouthpiece 102 allows for mouthpieces to bereplaced, rather than requiring the replacement of the entire straw whenthe mouthpiece is worn out or damaged. It can be appreciated that thisdesign significantly reduces the amount of trash that is generated sinceonly a fraction of the overall straw assembly needs to be discarded whenthe mouthpiece 102 is worn out. In general, the mouthpiece is subject tomore wear and tear than other components given that it comes into directcontact with the user's mouth.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece can be threaded in the same manneras the engagement portion 136 of a modular segment 110 to enable themouthpiece 102 to be screwed into the tubular portion 106. A threadedattachment may provide a more robust or resilient connection between themouthpiece 102 and the tubular portion 106. A threaded attachment allowsfor mouthpiece 102 to be made of materials other than compressiblematerials. For example, mouthpiece 102 can be made of a rigid materialsuch as aluminum or steel. In still other embodiments, mouthpiece 102can be made of biodegradable material (e.g. such as cellulose acetate orgelatin). Such a mouthpiece 102 would not generally be washable orreusable, but it can be disposed of in compost, and replaced with a newmouthpiece for each new use for hygienic reasons.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the filter 116 of FIG. 1.Filter 116 is attachable to tubular portion 106 at the beverage-immersedend of the straw assembly 100 via a filter attachment 115. The filterattachment 115 can be threaded internally at one end to attach tomodular segment 110-N as shown in FIG. 1. At the other end of filterattachment 115, filter 116 is attached. Filter 116 may be attached tothe filter attachment in a suitable manner, for example, by way offriction fit, magnetic attachment or by a complementary threadedengagement. In other embodiments, filter 116 is attachable directly tothe tubular portion 106 (e.g. to modular segment 110-N) without the needfor the filter attachment 115.

The filter 116 can be made of any suitable material including, but notlimited to, durable plastic or metal.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, filter 116 includes aplurality of perforations 119 at an outer surface 121 to enable passageof drinking fluid while blocking particles from entering the straw.Filter 116 can include one or more of water purification and waterfiltration elements within the body of the filter 116. These mayinclude, but are not limited to, activated charcoal, ion-exchangeresins, filtration fibers, and combinations thereof. The use of such afilter in conjunction with the straw assembly 110 can enable a user ofthe straw assembly 110 to safely drink otherwise unpotable orcontaminated water.

FIG. 5A shows a reusable drinking straw assembly 500 according toanother embodiment of the invention. The assembly 500 of FIG. 5A issimilar in structure as the straw assembly 100 of FIG. 1, and similarfeatures are similarly numbered. In the illustrated embodiment, theassembly 500 comprises a mouthpiece 502, a tubular portion 506, an endsection or tubular attachment 515 that enables one or more filteringaccessories (collectively, a filter 516) to be removably attached to theassembly 500. For the purpose of describing the assembly 500, eachmodular segment 510 is denoted by sequential reference numerals so thatthe first segment is referenced as 510-1, the second segment isreferenced as 510-2, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstmodular segment 510-1 which attaches to the mouthpiece is bent away froma longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form an “elbow”. The bentshape of the mouthpiece facilitates sipping from the straw (since themouthpiece is oriented at an angle that can be more readily insertedinto the mouth), and can avoid or reduce the risk of accidental injuriesfrom the use of a straw (e.g. as caused by accidental impalement).

The straw assembly 500 can be made of various materials suitable for usewith food items. Such materials may include, but are not limited to,plastic and metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 5A, each modular segment 510 can be assembledto form the tubular portion 506 for use and disassembled for storage. Insome preferred embodiments, a fully assembled straw assembly 500 has atotal length of approximately 237 mm. The length of the straw can beincreased or decreased, for example, by adding or removing the number ofmodular segments 510 used to form the tubular portion 506.

The disassembly of the straw assembly 500 enables the components of thestraw assembly 500 to be separated so that these components can becleaned more thoroughly, for instance, using a cleaning brush 530 asshown in FIG. 5B. Furthermore, disassembly enables the overall strawassembly 500 to be more compact for easier transportation. In someembodiments, to expose a flat tubular opening, the attachment 515 isused without the filter 516. In other embodiments, the attachment 515can be replaced with a puncturing attachment 518, as seen in FIG. 5C.The puncturing attachment 518 has a tubular body with an angled tipcreated by cutting one end of the tubular body at an angle to create apoint 520. Such a point 520 may be useful for a user to puncture throughprotective beverage lidding films such as those found in portablebeverage boxes.

The modular segments 510, mouthpiece 502, and the tubular attachment 515or puncturing attachment 518 can be attached or coupled to one anotherusing threaded end portions 534, as shown in FIG. 5C, or as previouslydescribed in respect of reference numerals 132 and 134 of FIG. 2A, orusing other techniques known to those skilled in the art. Each componentof the straw assembly 500 can include an 0-ring 520 (as shown in FIG.5C) or other suitable element such as a gasket, to prevent fluid leakageduring use. FIG. 5D shows the straw assembly 500 fully assembledincorporating a tubular attachment having a puncturing end (i.e., apuncturing attachment 518). FIG. 5E shows the straw assembly 500 fullyassembled incorporating a tubular attachment 515 according to anotherembodiment (which may be coupled to or provided with a filter, notshown).

Because of the modular nature of the straw assembly 500, the mouthpiece502 can be replaced as needed. For example, a user can interchange onemouthpiece for another if a clean mouthpiece is desired. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the mouthpiece may also include aone-way valve that can be used to keep contaminated liquids in theuser's mouth from flowing back through the straw into a drink containeror drinking vessel.

Reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D will now be made. FIGS. 6A and 6B arecross-sectional views of a mouthpiece 600 that can be used as themouthpiece in the straw assemblies 100, 500 of FIG. 1, FIG. 5. As bestseen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the hollow interior of the mouthpiece 600includes a one-way valve 610 with a flexible valve flap 612 that ismovable between an open position as shown in FIG. 6B and a closedposition as shown in FIG. 6A to selectively block fluid flow within themouthpiece 600. In the embodiment shown, the one-way valve 610 includesa valve body 614 positioned against an inner wall 616 at one side of themouthpiece 600. In the closed position as shown in FIGS. 6A (side view)and 6C (top/plan view), the valve flap 612 extends from the valve body614 across to the other side of the mouthpiece 600. The extension of thevalve flap 612 in the described manner covers the cross-section of themouthpiece to control the flow of liquid.

Also shown in FIG. 6A, the valve flap 612 in the closed positionseparates the mouthpiece 600 into a first chamber 602 and a secondchamber 604. Accordingly, the one-way valve 610 prevents the backwardflow of fluid contained in the first chamber 602 into the second chamber604. More specifically, the one-way valve 610 controls the direction offluid flow so that fluid is permitted to flow into the straw assembly100 or 500 from a drinking vessel and into the mouthpiece 600 firstthrough the second chamber 604 and then to the first chamber 602 beforefinally reaching the mouth of the user. However, due to the valve flap612, the fluid in the first chamber 602 is prevented from flowing backinto the straw assembly 100 or 500 and back into the drink container.This configuration prevents so-called “backwash” from flowing back tothe drink container thereby contaminating the drink. Furthermore, withfluid remaining in the first chamber 602, the fluid displaces some ofthe air from the chamber. Since less air is in the chamber, less air ispotentially ingested when suction is applied such that users mayexperience reduced choking or coughing while consuming liquids. Inaddition, since the fluid is drawn into and stays in the chamber that isnearer to the user's mouth, less suction is required for subsequent sipsto draw the fluid into the user's mouth.

When no suction is applied to the mouthpiece 600 by the user, the flap612 of the one-way valve 610 is biased in the closed position as shownin FIG. 6A to prevent the flow of fluid from the first chamber 602 intothe second chamber 604. FIG. 6C shows a top view of the mouthpiece 600and the one-way valve 610 in the closed position in which the flapcovers the entire inner cross-section of the mouthpiece and is incircumferential contact with an inner wall 616 of the mouthpiece therebyoccluding the mouthpiece to prevent the backward flow of liquid.

When suction is applied by the user to suck liquid from the drinkingvessel using the mouthpiece 600 attached to the straw assembly 100, 500of FIG. 1, FIG. 5, the suction causes the flap 612 to deflect away fromthe inner wall 616 of the mouthpiece so that the flap 612 is pulled awayfrom, and is not in contact with, the inner wall 616 as shown in FIG.6B. FIG. 6D shows a top view of the mouthpiece 600 and the one-way valve610 in the open position in which a channel 606 is formed which allowsfluid to travel from the second chamber 604 to the first chamber 602generally along a path indicated by the dotted line 606 of FIG. 6B. Theflap 612 or the entire one-way 610 can be made of a suitable flexible orresilient material such as rubber or silicone to allow the valve 610 toopen and close in the manner described herein to selectively control theflow of fluid through the mouthpiece 600.

The mouthpiece of FIGS. 6A to 6D can be assembled by attaching twolongitudinally extending segments 630 and 640 together. The segments 630and 640 can be secured in the manners previously described or usinganother method known to those in the art. The one-way valve 610 can besandwiched between these two segments as best seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B.The first chamber 602 is defined in the first segment 630 and the secondchamber 604 is defined in the second segment 640.

FIGS. 7A and 7B (collectively, FIG. 7) show the one-way valve 610secured to the mouthpiece 600 in the closed and open positions,respectively. In both cases, the one-way valve 610 includes a lipportion 620 extending from the valve body 614 that hangs or latches onto the edge of the second segment 640 of the mouthpiece 600. In otherembodiments, the lip portion 620 can hang or latch onto the edge of thefirst segment 630 of the mouthpiece 600 (not illustrated). As best seenin FIG. 7, the lip portion 620 is sandwiched between two segments 630and 640 of the mouthpiece 600 when the two segments 630 and 640 arejoined. The one-way valve 610 can therefore be secured into themouthpiece upon joining the first and second segments 630 and 640. Thesegments 630 and 640 can be joined using methods previously described inrespect of the modular segments 110 or any other method known to thosein the art. Alternatively, if the mouthpiece is not in a two-partconfiguration, the one-way valve 610 can be positioned at the junctionbetween the mouthpiece 102 and the first modular segment 110-1. The lipportion 620 therefore allows the one-way valve 610 to be removable fromthe straw assembly 100 or 500, and may be installed for use if desired.Furthermore, the removability of the one-way valve 610 allows worn outvalves to be replaced without having to discard the rest of the strawassembly, thereby helping reduce waste.

FIGS. 6E and 6F show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of themouthpiece 600A that can be used with the straw assemblies 100, 500 ofFIG. 1, FIG. 5. For example, mouthpiece 600A can be used as themouthpiece 502 of straw assembly 500 of FIG. 5D. FIG. 6E is across-sectional view of the mouthpiece 600A along longitudinal axis “A”of shown in FIG. 5D, and FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view of themouthpiece 600A along transverse axis “B” in FIG. 5D.

The mouthpiece 600A includes a body portion 650 and a suction portion652 for use by the user to draw liquid. The body portion 650 includes asuitable attachment mechanism to enable attachment of the mouthpiece600A to the tubular portions 106 and 506 of the respective strawassemblies 100 and 500. In the present embodiment, the attachmentmechanism is in the form of an inner threaded surface 654 for securementto a modular segment such as segment 510-1 of FIG. 5D. In otherembodiments, other manners of securement may be used, including but notlimited to, mechanisms based on press fit and/or friction fit.

Also within the body portion 650 of the mouthpiece 600A is a one-wayvalve 660 made of a flexible material that can be used to keepcontaminated liquids in the user's mouth from flowing back through thestraw into a drink container or drinking vessel. In the presentembodiment, the one-way valve is implemented using cross-slits 662(i.e., a cross-slit valve), rather than a valve flap 612 as illustratedin FIGS. 6A to 6D. As shown in FIG. 6F, a plurality of cross-slits 662of the one-way valve 660 extend radially from a center of the valvetoward an inner wall of the body portion 650. Similar to the one-wayvalve of 610 of FIGS. 6A to 6D, the one-way valve 660 separates themouthpiece 600A into first and second chambers 664 and 666,respectively, so that it is able to selectively block fluid flow betweenthe chambers. While two intersecting cross-slits (defining four flaps)are shown in the valve 660 in FIG. 6F, it will be understood by a personof skill in the art that any suitable number of cross-slits may bedefined in the valve in other embodiments.

The one-way valve 660 is normally in the closed position (i.e. the flapsdefined by the slits abut one another) to prevent fluid flow from thefirst chamber 664 located in the suction portion (proximal to the user'smouth) back to the second chamber 666 located in the body portion 650(distal from the user's mouth). When suction is applied by the user tosuck liquid from the drinking vessel the suction causes the flapsdefined by the cross-slits 662 to deflect toward the mouthpiece opening(i.e., in the direction of the suction force) thereby creating anopening between the flaps that allows fluid to travel from the secondchamber 666 to the first chamber 664.

FIGS. 8A to 8E (collectively, FIG. 8) show a storage device 800 forstoring the above-described straw assembly 500 of FIG. 5A. It should benoted that the storage device 800 and its features can be adapted tostore other straw assemblies such as straw assembly 100 of FIG. 1. Thedepicted storage device 800 is in the form of two elongated tube-shapedcontainers that define one or more compartments to store all of thecomponents of the straw assembly 500, such as one or more mouthpiece(s)502, modular segments 510, tubular attachment 515 (optionally coupled toor incorporating a filter 516), puncturing attachment 518, and cleaningbrush 530. In other embodiments, the storage device 800 can be providedin other forms such as a rectangular-shaped storage case.

In the embodiment shown, in FIG. 8, the storage device 800 includes amain storage compartment 802 for storing larger or longer components ofthe straw assembly 500 such as the modular segments 510, the tubularattachment 515 (which may incorporate or be coupled to a filter 516, notshown) and puncturing attachment 518, and the cleaning brush 530. Thestorage of these components can be better visualized in thecross-sectional view of the storage device 800 in FIG. 8B or explodedview in FIG. 8C. Also shown in FIG. 8C, is that the main storagecompartment 802 of the present embodiment includes a main storage body802-1 and a cap 802-2 for the main storage body 802-1. An end cap 810 isalso provided to close off the main storage compartment 802.

A second storage compartment or “top” storage compartment 804 positionedor stacked above the main storage compartment 802 is also provided forstorage of one or more mouthpieces 502. In the present embodiment, thetop storage compartment 804 is large enough to accommodate at least twomouthpieces 502 as shown in FIG. 8B. The top storage compartment 804includes a key 812 in the form of an elongated bar for use in removing afastening collar 818 in the main storage compartment 802, as describedin greater detail below. The manner in which the key 812 is attached tothe top storage compartment also creates an opening 813 for securingaccessories such as a lanyard for improved transportation. In thepresent embodiment, each of the main storage compartment 802, topstorage compartment 804, and end cap 810 is provided with a knurled grip811 to facilitate opening and closing of the storage device 800 as shownin FIG. 8C. While a knurled grip 811 is used in the present embodiment,other textured or patterned surfaces can similarly be implemented toprovide a sufficient grip to enable assembly or disassembly of thestorage device 800.

Referring now to FIG. 8D, the end cap 810 encloses a perforated cover,in the shape of a disc 814 with multiple perforations 820 in the presentembodiment, for allowing excess liquid to drain away from the mainstorage compartment 802 when the end cap 810 is removed therefrom. Sucha configuration is useful to enable components of the straw assembly 500to be rinsed by directly running water through them while they areretained within the main storage compartment 802. The perforated disc814 acts as a strainer to allow rinsing liquid to pass through. Alsoshown in FIG. 8D is a circular fastening collar 818 that is fastened toan inner surface of the main storage body 802-1 to secure the perforateddisc 814 in place. The fastening collar 818 includes at least a pair ofnotches 816 in which each pair of notches 816 is arranged so that eachnotch of the pair faces the other notch on opposite sides of thefastening collar 818, enabling the bar-shaped key 812 to sit into them.As illustrated in FIG. 8E, the key 812 of the top storage compartment804 is used to remove the fastening collar 818 by mating the key 812with the notches 816 and turning the fastening collar 818 as shown bydirectional arrow 830. If the fastening collar 180 is secured to themain storage body 802-1 by press fit or friction fit, the key 812 may beused to dislodge the fastening collar 818 by providing sufficientrotational force. If the fastening collar 180 is secured to the mainstorage body 802-1 by way of screw-on fit (e.g., using a suitablethreaded securement mechanism) then the rotation of the fastening collar818 by the key 812 is used to unscrew the fastening collar 818. With thefastening collar 818 removed, the perforated disc 814 can be removed forcleaning.

FIGS. 9A to 9E (collectively, FIG. 9) show a reusable drinking strawassembly 900 according to another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 9Aand 9B are perspective views of the straw assembly 900 in the extendedconfiguration and compact or retracted configuration, respectively. Insome preferred embodiments the total length of the straw assembly 900 inthe extended configuration can have a length of approximately 237 mm,from one end to another, and can be reduced to a length of 134 mm in theretracted configuration. The collapsible nature of this embodimentenables easier and more convenient storage and transportation of thedrinking straw assembly 900.

FIG. 9C is an exploded cross-sectional view of the straw assembly 900 tobetter visualize the various components. FIG. 9C shows that assembly 900is similar in structure as the straw assemblies 100 of FIGS. 1 and 500of FIG. 5A, and similar features are similarly numbered. In theillustrated embodiment, the straw assembly 900 has three sectionsincluding a mouthpiece 902, an elongated tubular portion 906, and anattachment 915. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9D, and 9E each of themouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 is connectable to tubular portion 906at opposing ends of tubular portion 906. Each of the mouthpiece 902 andattachment 915 is shaped to fit over the tubular portion 906 so that atleast a section of the tubular portion 906 along a longitudinal axis 925is overlapped by the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 as shown.

The tubular portion 906 can be made of one or more modular segments 910.The modular segment 910 can be made of any suitable food-safe materialsuch as plastic and metal including aluminum or stainless steel. Whileone modular segment is shown in the illustrated embodiment, otherdesigns or configurations can be used, such as the tubular portion 106and 506 used in association with the straw assemblies 100 and 500 ofFIGS. 1 and 5A, respectively.

The mouthpiece 902 of the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C,is generally tubular with openings at each end and has a hollow tubularinner cavity to permit flow of liquid therethrough. Any suitablematerial, such as food grade plastic, can be used to construct themouthpiece 902. The mouthpiece 902 can be secured to the tubular portion906 by way of a friction fit or other suitable securement mechanismknown to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, a detent canfurther be provided to lock the mouthpiece firmly in place. In someembodiments, the mouthpiece 902 may also include components such as theone-way valve as previously described.

Within the mouthpiece 902 of the current embodiment is a neck or stopperelement 904 (hereinafter the “neck”) that reduces the diameter of theinner cavity along a portion of the tube-shaped body of mouthpiece 902.The reduced diameter produced by the neck element 904 creates acircumferential ledge 905 inside the mouthpiece 902 that would abutagainst the leading end of the modular segment 910, when the modularsegment 910 of the tubular portion 906 is inserted into the mouthpiece,thereby preventing it from travelling deeper into the interior cavity ofthe mouthpiece 902 as shown in FIG. 9D and 9E. The ledge 905 created bythe neck element 904 is shaped and sized to abut the modular segment butdoes not significantly impede the flow of fluid during use. For example,if the inner diameter of the modular segment 910 is 7 mm, the ledgeshould maintain a 7 mm opening or similarly sized opening within theneck element 904.

The neck element 904 therefore separates the mouthpiece 902 into twosections 902-1 and 902-2 as shown in FIG. 9C. In the present embodiment,the neck element 904 is also positioned closer to one end of themouthpiece 902 (i.e., not equidistant between two ends of the mouthpiece902) so that one section of the mouthpiece 902 is longer than the other.In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece section labeled 902-1 islonger than the mouthpiece section labeled 902-2. Accordingly, when themodular segment 910 is inserted into the longer mouthpiece section902-1, it travels deeper into the mouthpiece 902 so a greaterlongitudinal portion of the mouthpiece 902, with reference to thelongitudinal axis 925, overlaps with the modular segment 910.Conversely, when the modular segment is inserted into the shortermouthpiece section 902-2, it does not travel as far before it abuts theneck element 904 so a smaller longitudinal portion of the mouthpiece,with reference to the longitudinal axis 925, overlaps with the modularsegment 910. Therefore the overall length of the mouthpiece attached tothe modular segment 910, with reference to its longitudinal axis 925, islonger when the modular segment 910 is inserted into the shortermouthpiece section 902-2 to the neck element 904 (the “extended”position) than when the same modular segment 910 is inserted into thelonger mouthpiece section 902-1 to the same neck element 904 (the“retracted” position).

As best seen in FIG. 9C, the attachment 915 is generally tubular withopenings positioned at each end. The attachment 915 has a hollow tubularinner cavity to permit flow of liquid therethrough. The attachment 915may include one end being cut angularly to produce a point 920 (similarto the puncturing attachment 518 of FIG. 5C) to puncture protectivebeverage lidding films. Similar to the mouthpiece 902, a correspondingneck element 917 is provided to reduce the diameter of the inner cavityalong a portion of the tube-shaped body of the attachment 915. Thereduced diameter produced by the neck element 917 creates acircumferential ledge 918 inside the attachment 915. The ledge 918created by the neck element 917 is sized and shaped to abut the modularsegment but does not significantly impede the flow of fluid during use.Also, similar to the mouthpiece 902, the neck element 917 is positionedcloser to one end of the attachment 915 to separate the attachment 915into two sections to define a longer attachment section 915-1 and ashorter attachment section 915-2. As such, insertion of the modularsegment 910 into the shorter attachment section 915-2 to the neckelement 917 achieves a longer overall length of the attachment 915 andmodular segment 910 (the “extended” position), with reference to thelongitudinal axis 925, as compared to insertion of the modular segment910 into the longer attachment section to neck element 917 (the“retracted” position). In the present illustrated embodiment, the point920 created by the angled cut is provided on the longer attachmentsection 915-1. However, in other embodiments, the point 920 can beprovided on the shorter attachment section 915-2 instead. In yet otherembodiments, the point 920 can be provided on both ends of theattachment 915 (i.e., on both the long and short attachment sections915-1 and 915-2)

In view of the foregoing, the overall length of the straw assembly 900can therefore be changed by putting the assembly 900 into the extendedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 9D or retracted configuration as shown inFIG. 9E in respect of its longitudinal axis 925. Whether the strawassembly 900 is in the extended or retracted configuration depends onwhich sections of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 the modularsegment 910 is inserted into. For example, the straw assembly 900 in theextended configuration, as shown in FIG. 9D, is obtained by insertingthe modular segment into the short sections of the mouthpiece 902-2 andattachment 915-2. The same straw assembly 900 can be re-configured tothe retracted configuration, as shown in FIG. 9E, by inserting themodular segment 910 into the longer mouthpiece section 902-1 and longerattachment section 915-1. To do so, a user may pull off the mouthpiece902, rotate it 180 degrees and reinsert the mouthpiece 902 back onto themodular segment. The same actions can be performed in respect of theattachment 915. Doing so reconfigures the mouthpiece 902 and attachment915 from their extended positions to their retracted positions. In othercases, intermediate lengths between the lengths achievable in theextended configuration and retracted configuration can be obtained. Forexample, while in the extended configuration, only one of the mouthpiece902 and attached 915 is reconfigured to its retracted position.

To assist the user in determining which ends of the mouthpiece 902 orattachment 915 corresponds to their respective longer or shortersections, each of the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 can be markedwith visual or tactile indicators. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 902corresponding to the longer mouthpiece section 902-1 can be providedwith a matte or lightly textured finish, while the portion of the outersurface corresponding to the shorter mouthpiece section 902-2 isprovided with a glossing non-textured finish. Such finishes provide bothvisual and tactile information. In other embodiments, colors, lettering,numbers or symbols can be used alone or in combination with or withouttextured finishes. In some embodiments, the respective neck element ofboth the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915 can further be equipped withan integrated gasket 930, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, to prevent fluidleakage during use. The integrated gasket can also provide frictionbetween the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 and the modular segment 910so as to further prevent slipping.

Referring now to FIG. 10, shown therein is an exploded view of the strawassembly 900 with the inclusion of integrated gaskets 930 for use inconjunction with each of the mouthpiece 902 and attachment 915. In theembodiment shown, a gasket 930 is provided for insertion into theshorter mouthpiece section 902-2 and a second gasket 930 is provided forinsertion into the shorter attachment section 915-2. As such, when thestraw assembly 900 is in the extended position during use, the modularsegment 910 is inserted into the respective gaskets 930 of the shortermouthpiece section 902-2 and shorter attachment section 915-2. In otherembodiments, a corresponding integrated gasket 930 can be provided inthe longer mouthpiece section 902-1 and/or in longer attachment section915-1 in addition to, or in lieu of, the integrated gaskets 930 shown inFIG. 10.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of the gasket 930 of FIG. 10from the front and rear, respectively. FIG. 11C is a perspective view ofa portion of a mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 in which is defined aninternal cavity 1170 adapted for receiving the gasket 930. The gasket930 can be made of any suitable food-safe material including, forexample, silicone, rubber, plastic, and other flexible, resilientmaterials. The gasket includes a reception end 1102 for receiving oneend of the modular segment 910 of the straw assembly 900 and aninsertion end 1104 for insertion into the respective short or longsections of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915. The gasket includes amain tubular body 1106 which extends longitudinally between thereception end 1102 and the insertion end 1104 and conforms to thetubular shape of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915. As shown in FIGS.11A and 11B, an opening is defined at each of the gasket ends 1102, 1104to allow fluid to flow through the gasket body 1106 and between themodular segment 910 and the mouthpiece 902, or between the modularsegment 910 and the attachment 915.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the gasket 930 is providedwith a plurality of ribs 1110 that extend longitudinally between thereception end 1102 and insertion end 1104. The ribs 1110 are raised fromthe body 1106 in the transverse direction (i.e., radially) to serve asguide(s) that fit into corresponding slots 1160 defined in a surface ofthe internal cavity 1170 of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915,depicted in FIG. 11C. Engagement of one of the ribs 1110 with acorresponding slot 1160 in this manner prevents rotation of the gasket930 within the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915. In the illustratedembodiment, the gasket also includes a plurality of secondary ribs 1112that engage with corresponding secondary slots 1162 defined in thesurface of the internal cavity 1170 of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment915 to further impede rotation for the purpose of securing the gasket930 in the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915.

In the present embodiment, a lip 1120 is provided at the insertion end1104 of the gasket 930 to tightly snap fit into a correspondingreceptacle of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 to prevent the gasket930 from dislodging (i.e., falling out) from the internal cavity 1170.In the current embodiment, the snap fit mechanism includes a gap 1130defined between the insertion end 1104 of the tubular body 1106 and thelip 1120, as shown in FIG. 11B. The gap 1130 allows a circumferentialledge 1172 extending from a surface of the internal cavity 1170, asshown in FIG. 11C, to be positioned therein. As such, the tubular body1106 of the gasket is positioned at one side of the ledge 1172 while thelip 1120 is positioned on the other side of ledge 1172 to secure thegasket in place. Referring now to both FIGS. 11B and 11C, retention ribs1135 are also distributed circumferentially along the gap 1130 in thepresent embodiment. These retention ribs 1135 fit or mate withcorresponding retention slots 1164 defined in the ledge 1172, as shownin FIG. 11C. The engagement of the retention ribs 1135 with theretention slots 1164 further helps to impede rotation of the gasket 930when it is inserted in to the mouthpiece 902 or the attachment 915. Sucha configuration may be useful when the gasket 930, once assembled orintegrated with the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915, is not intended tobe regularly taken apart or disassembled. In other embodiments, whereregular or ease of disassembly is desired, a different retentionmechanism may be used to facilitate disassembly. For example, in suchembodiments, the lip 1120 and gap 1130 are omitted and the gasket 930may be held in place by way of friction fit.

The integrated gasket 930 is suitable for preventing air and liquidleakage when each of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 is insertedinto the modular segment 910 of the straw assembly 900 at either end. Insome embodiments, the gasket 930 intended for use with the shortersection of the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 is longer than thecorresponding gasket 930 for use with the longer section, so that wheninserted onto the modular segment 910, it will have a tighter andimproved seal preventing leaks and from coming apart. On the other sideof the mouthpiece 902 or attachment 915 which is longer, the gasket 930is only needed to prevent air and leakage since the modular segment 910which makes up the straw tube generally fits snugly together with themouthpiece 902 and the attachment 915.

The examples and corresponding diagrams used herein are for illustrativepurposes only. Different configurations and terminology can be usedwithout departing from the principles expressed herein.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by theillustrative embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be giventhe broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

1. A reusable drinking straw assembly comprising: a plurality of modularsegments joined end-to-end to form an elongate tubular portion havingfirst and second ends and a longitudinally-extending channel definedtherethrough for receiving a beverage; a mouthpiece removably attachedto the first end of the tubular portion; and a one-way valve positionedwithin the mouthpiece, the valve movable between an open position and aclosed position to selectively block fluid flow within the mouthpiece.2. The straw assembly of claim 1 wherein the valve is a cross-slit valvethat divides the mouthpiece into a first chamber and a second chamber,and in the closed position the valve occludes the flow of fluid betweenthe first chamber and the second chamber, and in the open position thevalve provides an opening for fluid flow between the first chamber andthe second chamber.
 3. The straw assembly of claim 1 wherein the valveis biased to be in the closed position.
 4. The straw assembly of claim 1comprising a filter attachment removably attached to the second end ofthe tubular portion.
 5. The straw assembly of claim 1 comprising apuncturing attachment removably attached to the second end of thetubular portion, wherein at least one end of the puncturing attachmentis cut at an angle to provide a puncturing tool.
 6. The straw assemblyof claim 1 wherein one of the plurality of modular segments is shaped toform a bend in the tubular portion.
 7. A reusable drinking strawassembly comprising: at least one tubular segment forming an elongatetubular portion, the tubular portion having first and second ends and alongitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving abeverage; a tubular mouthpiece with first and second mouthpiece openingsat opposed ends of the mouthpiece for receiving the first end of thetubular portion; and a mouthpiece neck element positioned within themouthpiece and separating the mouthpiece into a first mouthpiece sectionand a second mouthpiece section, wherein the mouthpiece neck elementdefines a circumferential mouthpiece ledge within the mouthpiece forabutting the first end of the tubular portion.
 8. The straw assembly ofclaim 7 wherein the mouthpiece neck element is positioned closer to thefirst mouthpiece opening than to the second mouthpiece opening such thatthe first mouthpiece section is shorter than the second mouthpiecesection, and wherein insertion of the tubular portion into the firstmouthpiece section to abut the mouthpiece neck element produces a firstoverall length of the assembled straw, and insertion of the tubularportion into the second mouthpiece section to abut the mouthpiece neckelement produces a second overall length of the assembled straw, and thefirst overall length is greater than the second overall length.
 9. Thestraw assembly of claim 7 comprising: a tubular attachment with firstand second attachment openings at opposed ends of the attachment forreceiving the second end of the tubular portion; and an attachment neckelement positioned within the attachment that separates the attachmentinto a first attachment section and a second attachment section, whereinthe attachment neck element defines a circumferential attachment ledgewithin the attachment for abutting the second end of the tubularportion, wherein the attachment neck element is positioned closer to thefirst attachment opening than to the second attachment opening such thatthe first attachment section is shorter than the second attachmentsection.
 10. The straw assembly of claim 9 wherein insertion of thetubular portion into the first attachment section to abut the attachmentneck element produces a first overall length of the assembled straw, andinsertion of the tubular portion into the second attachment section toabut the attachment neck element produces a second overall length of theassembled straw, and the first overall length is greater than the secondoverall length.
 11. The straw assembly of claim 9 wherein at least oneend of the tubular attachment is cut at an angle to produce a puncturingpoint.
 12. The straw assembly of claim 9 comprising at least one gasket,each gasket having: a body with a reception end for receiving one end ofthe tubular portion and an insertion end for insertion of the gasketinto one of the mouthpiece and the attachment, wherein openings aredefined at each of the reception end and insertion end to allow fluid toflow between the tubular portion and the one of the mouthpiece and theattachment; and at least one rib provided on the body and extendinglongitudinally between the reception end and the insertion end, the atleast one rib being engageable with a corresponding slot defined in aninternal surface of the one of the mouthpiece and the attachment toimpede rotation of the gasket therein.
 13. A reusable drinking strawassembly comprising: at least one modular segment to form an elongatetubular portion, the tubular portion having first and second ends and alongitudinally-extending channel defined therethrough for receiving abeverage; and a mouthpiece removably attached to the first end of thetubular portion, wherein the at least one modular segment comprises aplurality of modular segments joined end-to-end to form the tubularportion and wherein each of the modular segments is separablelongitudinally into at least two re-attachable components.
 14. The strawassembly of claim 13 comprising a filter removably attached to thesecond end of the tubular portion, the filter comprising a plurality ofperforations sized to allow a beverage to pass through during use, whileblocking certain particles from entering the straw assembly.
 15. Thestraw assembly of claim 13 wherein each of the at least one modularsegment is provided with corresponding inner and outer threaded surfacesat opposite ends of the segment to enable coupling of the segment toadjacent segments or attachments.
 16. The straw assembly of claim 13wherein the mouthpiece comprises an attachment portion adapted to bepress fit into the tubular portion, wherein the attachment portion ofthe mouthpiece is made of a compressible material.
 17. The strawassembly of claim 13 comprising a one-way valve positioned within themouthpiece, the valve having a flexible valve flap movable between anopen position and a closed position to selectively block fluid flowwithin the mouthpiece.
 18. The straw assembly of claim 17 wherein thevalve flap circumferentially abuts an inner wall of the mouthpiece todivide the mouthpiece into a first chamber and a second chamber, andwhen the valve is in the closed position the valve flap occludes theflow of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber.
 19. Thestraw assembly of claim 17 wherein the mouthpiece comprises twolongitudinally extending mouthpiece segments and the valve comprises alip portion that latches to an edge of one of the mouthpiece segments,and is secured to the mouthpiece between the mouthpiece segments whenthe mouthpiece segments are joined together.
 20. A kit for a straw,comprising: at least one modular segment to form an elongate tubularportion, the tubular portion having a longitudinally-extending channeldefined therethrough for receiving a beverage; at least one mouthpieceadapted to be removably attached to an end of the tubular portion; and astorage device, the storage device having at least two storagecompartments, each storage compartment being adapted for storing one ormore of: (1) the at least one modular segment; (2) the at least onemouthpiece; and (3) an accessory.